Overview
Phone registration requires a publicly accessible Privacy Policy and Terms of Service webpage(s) that includes information concerning SMS (text) messaging and how phone numbers are used and shared.
These samples can be used as starting point and covers key items, but you should consult with your administration and counsel before using adding any privacy policy or terms language to your website.
📌 Note: Industry best practice is to maintain these policies on separate pages or URLs, even if they may sometimes be published together. Clearly defined and distinct policies tend to achieve higher approval rates during regulatory reviews. If policies are combined on a URL, each must be clearly separated with appropriate titles and headers, and presented as distinct, independent documents.
Sample SMS Privacy Policy
If you already have a section on your website for your school's Privacy Policy, this can be folded into the existing, but items related to SMS messaging should be grouped under a section name titled "SMS Privacy Policy"
SMS Privacy Policy
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
[Institution Name] (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information, including information collected in connection with our SMS (text messaging) communications.
Information We Collect
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including but not limited to your name, email address, mailing address, and mobile phone number.
This information may be collected when you:
Complete forms on our website
Submit inquiries or applications
Register for events
Communicate with us directly
SMS Communications
Consent to Receive Text Messages
By providing your mobile phone number through our website forms, applications, event registrations, or other communication channels, and by indicating your agreement where required, you consent to receive SMS messages from us.
These messages may include admissions updates, application status notifications, event reminders, and other relevant enrollment communications.
Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of enrollment or purchase.
Information Collected for SMS Communications
When you opt in to receive SMS messages, we may collect:
Your mobile phone number
Your name
Information related to your inquiry, application, or engagement with us
Use of SMS Information
We use your SMS information to communicate with you regarding:
Admissions and enrollment
Application updates
Event participation
Support and informational messages
Message frequency may vary based on your interactions with us.
Sharing of SMS Information
We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number or SMS consent information with third parties for their marketing purposes.
We may share your information with trusted service providers (such as messaging platforms) solely for the purpose of delivering SMS communications.
Opt-Out of SMS Communications
You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying:
STOP to unsubscribe
HELP for assistance
Message and data rates may apply.
Retention of SMS Data
We retain SMS-related information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy or as required by applicable law. When no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize the information.
How We Use Your Information
We may use your information to:
Provide and improve our services
Communicate with you
Process applications and registrations
Respond to inquiries
Comply with legal obligations
Your Privacy Rights
You may request to:
Access your personal information
Correct inaccurate information
Request deletion of your data
To make a request, please contact us using the information below.
You may also opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact us at:
Email: [Insert Email]
Phone: [Insert Phone Number]
Sample SMS Terms of Service
SMS Terms of Service
By opting in to receive SMS messages from [Institution Name], you agree to the following terms:
Program Description
You may receive text messages related to:
Admissions
Application status updates
Event reminders
General support and informational communications
Your enrollment at [School Name]
Message Frequency
Message frequency may vary depending on your interactions with us, such as your application activity, event participation, or requests for information.
Opt-In
You opt in to receive SMS messages by providing your mobile phone number through our website, forms, applications, or other communication channels and agreeing to receive such messages where required.
Opt-Out
You may opt out at any time by replying:
STOP to unsubscribe
After you send STOP, you will receive a confirmation message and will no longer receive SMS messages from us.
Help Instructions
For assistance, reply: HELP
You will receive a response with instructions on how to get support.
You may also contact us directly at:
Email: [Insert Email]
Phone: [Insert Phone Number]
Message and Data Rates
Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan.
Carrier Disclaimer
Message delivery is subject to your mobile carrier’s network availability and is not guaranteed. Supported carriers may vary, and not all mobile devices may be supported.
Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Eligibility
By participating in this program, you confirm that:
You are the authorized user of the mobile number provided
You consent to receive SMS communications related to your interactions with us
Acceptable Use
You agree to use this service only for lawful purposes and not to misuse or interfere with the messaging service.
Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.